1. tribute(n = noun.communication) testimonial - something given or done as an expression of esteem;
is a kind of approval, commendation
2. tribute(n = noun.act) - payment by one nation for protection by another;
is a kind of defrayal, defrayment, payment
3. tribute(n = noun.act) protection - payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence; "every store in the neighborhood had to pay him protection"
is a kind of extortion
1. An annual or stated sum of money or other valuable thing, paid by one ruler or nation to another, either as an acknowledgment of submission, or as the price of peace and protection, or by virtue of some treaty; as, the Romans made their conquered countries pay tribute. [1913 Webster]
"Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute." [1913 Webster]
2. A personal contribution, as of money, praise, service, etc., made in token of services rendered, or as that which is due or deserved; as, a tribute of affection. [1913 Webster]
"Implores the passing tribute of a sigh." [1913 Webster]
3. A certain proportion of the ore raised, or of its value, given to the miner as his recompense. Pryce. Tomlinson. [1913 Webster]
To pay as tribute. Whitlock (1654). [1913 Webster]
tribute, n.
1 a thing said or done or given as a mark of respect or affection etc. (paid tribute to their achievements; floral tributes).
2 hist. a a payment made periodically by one State or ruler to another, esp. as a sign of dependence. b an obligation to pay this (was laid under tribute).
3 (foll. by to) an indication of (some praiseworthy quality) (their success is a tribute to their perseverance).
4 a proportion of ore or its equivalent paid to a miner for his work, or to the owner of a mine.
Etymology:
ME f. L tributum neut. past part. of tribuere tribut- assign, orig. divide between tribes (tribus)
N giving, bestowal, bestowment, donation, presentation, presentment, accordance, concession, delivery, consignment, dispensation, communication, endowment, investment, investiture, award, almsgiving, charity, liberality, generosity, gift, donation, present, cadeau, fairing, free gift, boon, favor, benefaction, grant, offering, oblation, sacrifice, immolation, lagniappe, pilon, grace, act of grace, bonus, allowance, contribution, subscription, subsidy, tribute, subvention, bequest, legacy, devise, will, dotation, dot, appanage, voluntary settlement, voluntary conveyance, amortization, alms, largess, bounty, dole, sportule, donative, help, oblation, offertory, honorarium, gratuity, Peter pence, sportula, Christmas box, Easter offering, vail, douceur, drink money, pourboire, trinkgeld, bakshish, fee, consideration, bribe, bait, ground bait, peace offering, handsel, boodle, graft, grease, blat, giver, grantor, donor, feoffer, settlor, giving, given, allowed, allowable, concessional, communicable, charitable, eleemosynary, sportulary, tributary, gratis, donative, auctor pretiosa facit, ex dono, res est ingeniosa dare.
N expenditure, money going out, out goings, out lay, expenses, disbursement, prime cost, circulation, run upon a bank, payment, pay, bribe, fee, footing, garnish, subsidy, tribute, contingent, quota, donation, pay in advance, earnest, handsel, deposit, installment, investment, purchase, expending, expended, sumptuary, vectigalia nervos esse reipublicae.
N reward, recompense, remuneration, meed, guerdon, reguerdon, price, indemnity, indemnification, quittance, compensation, reparation, redress, satisfaction, reckoning, acknowledgment, requital, amends, sop, atonement, retribution, consideration, return, quid pro quo, salvage, perquisite, vail, douceur, bribe, hush money, smart money, blackmail, extortion, carcelage, solatium, allowance, salary, stipend, wages, compensation, pay, payment, emolument, tribute, batta, shot, scot, bonus, premium, tip, fee, honorarium, hire, dasturi, dustoori, mileage, crown, remunerative, remuneratory, munerary, compensatory, retributive, reparatory, rewarding, satisfactory, fideli certa merces, honor virtutis praemium, tibi seris tibi metis.